Sep
19
2011

Take a tour of Tasmania’s world-class breweries

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Whether you consider yourself a beer connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a fine ale now and then, a tour of Tasmania’s world-class breweries and distilleries will be a rewarding journey.

Travel across the island state for a fantastic chance to witness stunning landscapes and picturesque towns, learn about the operations that go into producing and bottling your favourite brews and, of course, some all-important taste testing.

Tasmanian ales and lagers are internationally recognised and have received countless awards, so why not discover some of the secrets behind their flavours and quality while you’re there?

In Hobart, you can take a guided tour of the historic Cascade Brewery – which is situated at the foot of the magnificent Mount Wellington and features a sandstone Georgian facade.

As Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewery and just five minutes drive from Hobart’s CBD, you will appreciate the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the building and be educated on all aspects of the beer-making process – from malting to brewing and packaging.

Moorilla Estate, to the north of Hobart, is the home of boutique beers based on classic German traditions of pure water, no preservatives and the best hops. The area itself has plenty to offer, with a world-class restaurant, the country’s largest private museum, a cool-climate vineyard and cellar door and views of the Derwent River.

In Launceston you have the choice between the James Boags Discovery Tour – a 60-minute exclusive insight into the key elements of the brewing process and a tasting of four award-winning beers – or the Boags Beer Lovers Tour, which is 90 minutes of more comprehensive information and a sample of fine Tasmanian cheeses.

If the biggest drawcard is the beer, then try the Amber Ticket for 40 minutes of pure indulgence as you taste the entire range of James Boags’ offerings.

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Sep
18
2011

Luxury resorts and lodges abound in Tasmania

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If you’re seeking the perfect relaxing escape from everyday life, consider the luxurious end of Tasmanian accommodation.

The island state is dotted with exquisite resorts and lodges that tend to be small, intimate and attentive to your every need.

Whether you crave an unspoiled coastline or the peaceful sounds of the mountain wilderness, a wonderful holiday awaits you.

You can choose between a private cabin either within or on the edge of a beautiful national park or one of the stylish eco-lodges nestled in the landscape overlooking the sea.

Wherever you decide to stay, a unique Tasmanian experience will be on offer. Some hosts are strongly committed to the environment and have incorporated their passion and principles into a simple yet aesthetically-pleasing lodging.

Others have spared no expense to create a sense of luxury and elegance – you might even find yourself lying back in a large spa suite and gazing into the thick forest outside the window.

From well-known accommodation brands such as Voyages and Peppers Retreats and Resorts to excellent local options such as Pure Tasmania and Innkeepers, the hardest part will be selecting only one.

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Sep
17
2011

Stunning views of Hobart from Mount Wellington

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The summit of Mount Wellington provides one of the most spectacular lookouts not only in Tasmania, but the whole of Australia.

Rising gloriously 1,270 metres above the Derwent River and the harbour of Hobart, it provides visitors with a truly magical wilderness experience just 20 minutes drive from the city.

From Hobart, the mountain’s most distinctive feature is its cliff of dolerite columns – labelled the organ pipes – a stunning backdrop to an intriguing city.

A drive to the peak will take you through temperate rainforest, sub-alpine flora and jagged rock formations, until you reach the panoramic viewpoints that will take your breath away.

Alternatively you can explore via one of the bushwalking trails – catered to suit all levels of experience – and picnic and barbecue facilities allow your family or group of friends to enjoy a perfect day out.

For the more adventurous traveller there is a chance to try trail biking or abseiling, while in true Australian fashion you can descend the mountain on bicycle with a refreshing stopover at the historic Cascade Brewery.

While there are no entry fees, opening or closing times for Wellington Park, the pinnacle shelter is only available to the public from 08:00 to 20:00 during summer months and 8:00 to 16:30 during winter months.

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Sep
16
2011

Tasmanian students to perform musical spectacular

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In three weeks, Tasmanian audiences will be treated to some incredible cultural performances by talented local students in the Youth Entertainment Spectacular (YES).

Presented by Do It With Pizazz Productions, YES is an opportunity for performers between the age of five and 18 to showcase their musical and theatrical skills.

Cast members will gather from all over Tasmania, highlighting the immense ability that abounds in the island state.

The show will combine a varied musical program from Broadway songs to modern hits and everything in between, along with some fantastic dancing and visual displays.

A highly professional production team will ensure this exceptional event has something to offer everyone.

Three shows will play at the Devonport Entertainment and Convention Centre (DECC) between October 7 and 8. The DECC is a magnificent venue set in two federation buildings and is north-west Tasmania’s premier performing arts centre. It also offers superb views of the Mersey River – home to the passenger and vehicle ferries Spirit of Tasmania 1 and 2.

Contact the venue if you would like more information about what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining evening.

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Sep
15
2011

Tasmania’s best vineyards with free iPhone app

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Tasmania’s glorious wine regions are now more accessible than ever to visitors who like to plan their adventures either in advance or on the move, with the recent launch of a comprehensive culinary travel mobile application.The free iPhone app – created by online wine and food travel guide VisitVineyards.com - is designed to assist travellers discover regional wonders around Australia.

It will be particularly beneficial for tourists and small business operators in remote areas of Tasmania, where mild summers and long autumn days allow for quality winemaking that equals some of Europe’s most celebrated regions.

For the first time, people will be able to locate thousands of vineyards and cellar doors, fresh produce sellers, markets, restaurants and accommodation whilst on the move.

The initiative is the brainchild of the online guide’s founder Robyn Lewis, who also runs a farm and vineyard in southern Tasmania with her husband. It is a magnificent coup for the island state, highlighting the type of innovation that can significantly boost the tourism industry.

Lewis says she is well aware of the challenges facing smaller tourism operators and hopes this development will prove to be highly useful for both sides of the industry.

“This app meets the demand by travellers, who are interested in culinary experiences, to be able to directly access great eateries, wineries and accommodation on the go, and connect with the people behind the products,” she told APN News & Media on Tuesday (September 13).

The app provides people with “directions and maps where they are located and the best options literally in their own vicinity”, Lewis explains.

Operators can also join the service for free, so even the smallest and most boutique producers can be found.

Tasmanian wine routes can be covered by car or guided tours, including areas such as the Tamar Valley north of Launceston and the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys around Hobart.

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Sep
14
2011

Hastings Caves an easy drive from Hobart

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One of the best aspects of a holiday in Tasmania is the ease and convenience by which you can take a fantastic variety of daytrips from the island’s cities and towns.

While Hobart, Launceston and Devonport are interesting tourist destinations in their own right, visitors often point to the fact that so many worthwhile places or attractions are just a short drive away.

A perfect example of this is Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, which is situated about 90 minutes south of Hobart.

After about 40 million years of existence the dolomite caves were discovered by timber workers in 1917 and now offer people the chance to view spectacular stalactites, stalagmites and the more unusual helictites.

Parks and wildlife guides run 45-minute tours of the large cavern beginning at 10:00 daily from September through to April.

The thermal springs pool lies just five minutes from the cave entrance. Here you can take a relaxing swim in the 28 degrees Celsius water while looking up at the surrounding forest.

To enjoy everything this majestic setting has to offer – including a guided tour, entry to the springs and access to the large picnic, barbecue and walking area – purchase The Hastings Experience ticket, which is $24 for adults, $19.20 for concessions and $12 for children.

Hastings Cave © by daecon

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Sep
13
2011

Carnival atmosphere at Royal Launceston Show

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The Royal Launceston Show is fast approaching and as the region’s major annual agricultural event, it is definitely worth factoring into your Tasmanian holiday plans.

Celebrating Tasmania’s primary industries, it will offer attendees an insight into the island state’s wide range of rural resources as well as a chance to enjoy food tasting, wood chopping, breeder competitions and much more.

There will also be the much-loved staples of any great show such as show bags, rides, fairy floss and farm animals – kids are sure to love interacting with the rabbits, calves and piglets. The cat and dog judging events are always a favourite, with well-groomed pets providing fantastic entertainment.

Held from October 6 to 8, this annual spectacle regularly attracts more than 15,000 visitors to the Launceston Showgrounds in Inveresk. Interestingly it is held in such high esteem that a public holiday is marked on Thursday for northern Tasmanians.

Over time the Royal Launceston Show has drifted further and further towards a big carnival atmosphere – these days the big crowds and vast array of entertainment truly rank it as one of the best of its kind in Australia.

This is the perfect time of year to spend a day out in the spring sun with the whole family or a group of friends. You’ll be sure to meet some of the friendly locals while you’re there and walk away with some delightful fresh local produce.

If you are a first-time visitor to Tasmania, Launceston itself is an important part of your journey. It is the state’s second-largest city and has a burgeoning reputation for being a cultural hub, with a host of trendy cafes, museums and magnificent Victorian architecture.

Launceston is also a gateway to the Tamar Valley’s cool-climate wineries – a must-see region of any trip to this part of the world.

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Sep
12
2011

A slice of traditional Tasmania at the Burnie Show

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The Burnie show is only three weeks away and if you plan on being anywhere near the north-west coast of Tasmania at the end of the month, it could be well worth your while to add it to your itinerary.

Held over two days from Friday September 30 to Saturday October 1 at Wivenhoe Showground, it is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to enjoy an old-fashioned carnival atmosphere.

Whether you come with family or friends, the Burnie Show has something to offer everyone.

Fresh produce from the region, cute farm animals, arts and crafts, rides, games and a variety of food and beverage stalls will all contribute to a great event with a pleasant vibe.

As one of Tasmania’s best regional agricultural shows, newcomers to the island state will get a glimpse of traditional life through the fascinating exhibitions and displays inside the large industrial hall.

Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for children and concessions, with family passes costing $30.

Burnie is a vibrant town in spring and summer – situated right on the serene coastline and home to the largest eucalypt tree farm in Australia.

You can reach this little gem by driving 30 minutes west of Devonport.

 

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Sep
11
2011

Devils’ Advocates honoured for animal research

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A group of top Tasmanian scientists known as the Devils’ Advocates has been awarded a major prize for their work researching one of the island state’s most iconic animals.

The team, which includes leading researchers from the University of Tasmania’s School of Zoology, the Save the Tasmanian Devil program at the Tasmanian Animal Health Library and the Menzies Institute, was presented with the Sherman Eureka Prize for Environmental Research this week.

The Devils’ Advocates’ research focuses on Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease – a fatal and contagious condition that affects these endangered creatures.

Tasmanian devils have captured the imagination of visitors to the island state for centuries and you may want to stop at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park to learn more about these fascinating creatures during your stay.

The conservation park is located in an isolated, disease-free area and is closely affiliated with several research projects focused on the protection of these animals.

During your visit to the park – which is approximately one hour’s drive from Hobart on the Port Arthur Highway – you’ll have the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils feeding, with times scheduled throughout the day.

You’ll also have the chance to see a range of other iconic Australian animals and even hand-feed kangaroos and friendly wallabies.

Tasmanian Devil © by jennifrog

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Sep
10
2011

Visit Tasmania for glimpse of world’s tallest trees

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Tasmania’s forests are renowned for featuring some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular temperate wilderness areas, with national parks such as Freycinet and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair providing naturally breathtaking sights.

But the island state is not just home to a sample of the most beautiful trees imaginable – it is also the place to find the tallest hardwoods on the planet.

In the north-west of Hobart lies the Styx Valley and Australia’s largest collection of the highest-standing hardwood trees you can find. Here, three of the biggest five worldwide stretch proudly in the Andromeda stand.

The number one ranking, though, goes to a tree nicknamed Centurian – which was discovered in 2008 in state forest in the Arve Valley near Geeveston, roughly 60 km south-west of Hobart.

No other standing hardwood in the world has been measured above 100 metres, but you will have to wait a few months to visit it as spring sees the area closed due to nesting eagles.

For sheer volume, it is impossible to go past the Andromeda stand, where you can gaze up at more than a dozen specimens of over 90 metres.

Three-time Australian tree-climbing champion Tom Greenwood comes here to haul himself up to their lofty peaks. With the aid of a high-powered crossbow, he fires five arrows attached to tracer lines into a canopy, hoping they will attach to a sturdy branch.

Greenwood, who has a degree in forestry, advises visitors to marvel at these wonderful gifts from nature rather than dream of climbing them as he does.

“A lot of things can go wrong,” he told The Weekend Australian on Saturday (September 3).

“Getting an arrow up is only the first step.”

To get up close and personal to the forest’s wonders requires a journey of about 90 km from Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Accommodation is available in nearby Maydena, allowing visitors to comfortably settle into this great escape.

Lake Parangana © by PVT INC

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